With “Ago Helou,” the Beninese duo assimilates women to the earth, to which a cult is dedicated within the Vodoun pantheon, in honor of March 8, International Women’s Rights Day.
Singing first in church choirs and song competitions, the Teriba were first a trio of female singers, founded in2002. “Teriba” means “humility” in Yoruba. These artists announced themselves via a first album, Gan Na Ho, released in 2006 and have been promoting Beninese cultural heritage ever since through traditional music and instruments such as the massé, the tchink and the bemdré drum. Dance, percussion and yoruba incantations are put at the service of a transcendental musical experience. Singing a capella, these”sisters at heart” are now only two, after Zakiath’s departure. Following this, Ahissou Tatiana Murielle and Carine Inès Emilie, respectively nicknamed Kikê and Folakê, embark on their “F me” project, which aims to honor nature and the role of women in their native country.
In continuity with this commitment, the duo returns with their single “Ago Helou,” which means “call to order” in the Fon language. It is a declaration of love for nature, who is ever generous despite the harmful actions of human beings: “Our earth is our god, it bears our outrages, our bad behavior.” A parallel is drawn between the way both the earth and women are treated. The Teriba affirm their message: “Our land is a woman, because it is beautiful, because it is precious, because it is fragile.” It marks a nod to the eco-feminist movement, which is finding more and more followers.
Find The Teriba in our Songs of the Week playlist on Spotify et Deezer.
